Jorn Utzon was a Danish architect famous for having designed the now iconic Sydney Opera House. An international competition for the design of the house was announced in 1956 and it attracted over 200 entries from the world over. Utzon’s vision was the most innovative and most exciting and was ultimately declared the winner. Now, Australians and visitors to our shores can own a piece of history with the launch of The Key to the Shells – a model of Utzon’s famous design.

Construction of the Opera House began in 1959 but it was not until September 1961 that Utzon made an astonishing discovery that would change his design entirely. When packing away his model of the Opera House while tidying his office, he realised that each shell fit perfectly within the other – the small shells inside the medium shells and the medium shells inside the large shells. Separately, each shell had seemed so different but suddenly, Utzon realised that each curve of the shell was the same. It was in that instant that he realised that if each curve was taken from one sphere, it would create the consistent geometry that he craved. Utzon’s design beautifully tied together aesthetics and practicality. His vision was to create architectural perfection and by finding The Key to the Shells, his vision was realised.

The Key to the Shells encompasses four roof shells with magnets inside, that each fit into one another. The accompanying book, ‘The Story Behind Jorn Utzon’s Design’ was written by Curt McDonald and details the building and design of the Sydney Opera House Project.

The objet d’art is perfect for design lovers, whether they be local or visitors to Australia’s iconic landmark.

The box is 180 x 130 x 130mm and is available at top3 by design – www.top3.com.au. RRP $99.00